Simplicity. Happiness.

After almost six years, I think it's time to end this blog. I've had trouble keeping up the posts, as you can tell by the dwindling number of posts per year. I'd like to blame it on my perfectionist streak - I can't even post a Facebook album without meticulous photo editing and caption writing, so it takes forever to publish a blog.

But, more importantly, I think my life has taken shape. When I started this blog in 2008, I needed an outlet. I wasn't happy, though I was trying to pretend (fake it 'til you make it, right?). My life felt out of focus and all over the place. It seemed like an interesting experiment to flex my creative muscles, write it all down and see if I was any good at that. And it was a fun experiment! For kicks, just read back through some of these posts. Some still feel really poignant and bring me back to those days, others make me roll my eyes.

My story isn't unique. I think these are feelings and issues most people have during those in-between years, right after college ends and you're spit out into the real world. Man, did I do some fun things while trying to "grow up," though. Travel (including a once-in-a-lifetime solo trip to France!), goofy nights with friends, ill-advised drunken decisions, beauty experiments, shopping addictions, adventures in cooking, finding my way into and out of debt... I kept it interesting.

With less than a month until my 29th birthday (cringe), I have to say, I feel pretty grown up. My life has a calm, happy rhythm, and I think it's primarily due to these three guys. They are my world and make me smile every day.

Having a job that allows me to write and be artistic, an apartment I can be proud of, and loving friends and family I can rely on helps, too. In a few words, the lessons VIPS in my life have taught me about being an adult:

Mom - love others, faults and all, always
Dad - dream a little dream, and keep it alive until it comes true
Evan - challenge yourself to do something great (this kid runs marathons!)
Regina - be strong, be kind, be open to what the world gives you
Rita - do your research and be bulldog for the things you believe in
Bryan - stay focused, be organized and be on time! (a lesson I still need sometimes...)
Mary - laugh at yourself, at others, at life
Sarah - embrace change, sometimes it can be pretty great
Theresa - never stop exploring; be a good friend to others
Jen - be poised and gracious (and a charming Southern belle if possible)
Amy - cooking is love; look for the deal everywhere
Minna - be spontaneous!
Karyn - it's okay to be exactly who you are, all the time

Though I will not be updating this blog anymore, I do still love sharing my musings and view of life in NYC. Here are two channels I do intend to keep up: Twitter and Instagram.

Musings about Love and Life

About Love:

In my opinion, love is one of life's greatest mysteries.  Does anyone really understand it?  I feel like it's such a guessing game; there's really no rhyme or reason to it.

Even those supposed "Relationship Experts"...I don't think they have it all going on either.  I mean, they all have their theories, but really, didn't Dr. Phil abuse and cheat on his first wife multiple times?  I'm supposed to get relationship advice from him?!

That's why I think love is so interesting.  There's no rule book; you just have to go with it.  The ups and the downs, the heartbreak and the joy, the exciting days and the mundane days.

"Now I know I have a heart, because it's breaking." - the Tin Man 

About On and Off Relationships:

People don't go on again and off again because they like getting hurt over and again. 

 

Maybe it's that their feelings for one another never change, but their ability to make it work, their dedication to the relationship at that time does.  And I guess, at that point, you have to let go.  And when it's right, if it's right again, you come back together, this time with a fresh-faced admiration for one another and what you have together.

I think faith is so important...faith in your feelings, faith in the person you love, and faith that it will all end up right in the end.

Just some thoughts.  Until next time, I'll remain in New York, "a place where there are no happy endings," and wait for true love's kiss.  :)